Matchup: Tennessee Vs. Michigan St.

April 3, 2005|Steve Gorten

Backcourt: MSU All-American G Kristin Haynie is a tough cover because she's athletic and constantly moving. She had a triple-double in the regional semifinal and 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists the next game. G Lindsay Bowen (13.5 ppg) helps form a strong duo. For Tennessee, Shanna Zolman (12.5 ppg) is a threat from behind the arc with the ability to pile up points quickly. Freshman Alexis Hornbuckle (8.4 ppg, 5.4 rpg) is a talented complement. Loree Moore gets the chore of shadowing Haynie.

Edge: Michigan State.

Frontcourt: MSU and UT boast the top rebounding margins -- 13.0 and 10.8 -- in the NCAA Tournament. F Liz Shimek (15 ppg, 9.1 rpg) and C Kelli Roehrig (13.5 ppg, 7.4 rpg) are physical and use their bodies well to create opportunities inside, but they're not as quick as Tennessee's post players. UT's Shyra Ely, an Indianapolis native, has thrived since moving from the wing back to the low block late in the season. The All-American leads the team in scoring (14.5 ppg) and rebounding (7 rpg). Freshman Nicky Anosike, a 6-foot-4 center, is active on the glass.

Edge: Tennessee.

Bench: MSU has more balance among starters -- four average double-figure scoring -- but the Spartans go only six or seven deep. G Rene Haynes (8.0 ppg, 3.0 rpg in 24 minutes) is the top reserve. Tennessee has more depth and talent on its roster, with F Brittany Jackson and C Tye'sha Fluker the most notable non-starters. Few teams have a 6-5 presence off the bench like Fluker.

Edge: Tennessee.

Coaching: Pat Summitt, who has passed retired North Carolina men's coach Dean Smith for most career NCAA victories (882), has captured six consecutive titles, but none since 1998. This team isn't one of her most talented, which attests to her ability. MSU's Joanne P. McCallie led the Spartans to their first Final Four after never getting past the second round in five previous tourneys. MSU assistant Al Brown (1995-2002) spent seven seasons under Summitt. That should help MSU try to match wits against a legend.